caption

[kap-shuhn]

noun

1. a title or explanation for a picture or illustration, as in a magazine, newspaper, or book.

2. a heading or title, as of a chapter, article, or page.

3. Movies, Television, Digital Technology.

   1. a transcription or translation of dialogue and a written description of other audio elements, as sound effects, music, or atmospheric sounds, displayed as a graphic overlay on the lower part of the screen in a television program, film, video, or video game.

   2. subtitle.

   3. a title or annotation displayed as a graphic overlay on the screen in a television program, film, video, or video game, as to set the scene, name a location, or specify a time or date.

4. Law.,  the heading of a legal document stating the time, place, etc., of execution or performance.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply a caption or captions for.

   to caption a photograph.

caption

/ ˈkæpʃən /

noun

1. a title, brief explanation, or comment accompanying an illustration; legend

2. a heading, title, or headline of a chapter, article, etc

3. graphic material, usually containing lettering, used in television presentation

4. another name for subtitle

5. the formal heading of a legal document stating when, where, and on what authority it was taken or made

verb

1. to provide with a caption or captions

Other Word Forms

• captionless adjective
• miscaption verb (used with object)
• subcaption noun
• supercaption noun
• uncaptioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caption¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English capcio(u)n “seizure,” from Latin captiōn- (stem of captiō ), equivalent to capt(us) “taken” ( captive ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of caption¹

C14 (meaning: seizure, an arrest; later, heading of a legal document): from Latin captiō a seizing, from capere to take

Example Sentences

“I am in shambles,” she captioned an Instagram video shared Tuesday morning.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Bombs can't stop markets," reads the caption linking the two images.

Read more on BBC

The caption accompanied a gallery of family photos.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He wrote in the caption that he was “sorry to all of you who had to contemplate a symbol of hate over the past 48 hours.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

An earlier version of this article incorrectly said he was the company’s CEO in a photo caption.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inscription 
• subtitle